Work in Progress

Here are a few of the recent projects that have allowed me to live the dream...Getting to work on these projects really is living the dream. Real South MagazineI am excited to be the Contributing Editor - Southern Music and Culture, for Real South Magazine. The brainchild of Lisa Gouveia, who says "Real South is your big bi-monthly digital helping of authentic Southern arts and culture. We're especially interested in bringing you indie, emerging, under-the-radar artists and writers. The South is also a more diverse place than it's typically portrayed in other magazines, so we'll also strive to bring you a slice of the many different cultures and lifestyles that make up today's South--the REAL SOUTH."

Bobcat Fans/SMTX MagazineAnother Contributing Features Editor position, I have had a blast writing for this Texas State University centered this year. What a story! A few years ago, when Rick Koch started Bobcat Fans magazine, even he had no idea how well it would do. Today, a hybrid print and digital publication, it started as a publication for Texas State fans, and quickly spread across the state - and Bobcat Nation. Within three years, the print magazine has grown into a slick well designed publication and in 2013, Rick expanded it in a unique way. Today "town and gown" meet in the middle of the themed publication - each month on common ground with a centerfold that speaks to both audiences. So early in 2013, Rick asked if I would write something for them - and sort of anchor the "town" side of the magazine. As a lifelong resident of SMTX, and longtime writer, I would be a logical choice. But having cut my teeth writing for local and area newspaper and magazines, I sighed. I've written everything there is to write about this town. But wait - we have a new audience. I can write about people they don't know and about things they don't remember. And I have had a blast. Between the thousands of print copies and the hundred thousand hits on the digital pages, I get more feedback from these stories than I ever imagined. It is an interesting hybrid on multiple levels -- in that locals read and talk about it -- and thousands of Bobcat alums log on to read it digitally from around the country. It's great to hear from someone who graduated and moved away thirty years ago - and who discovered the magazine and has become a regular reader with plans to come back to visit. Here are a few of my favorite contributions:April 2013 - When Redneck Ruled Rock The Class of '76- The good old days of Progressive Country -- (A bonus - 50 songs and artists every SMTX'er should have on their play list!June/July 2013 - The Lost Art - a story about Brian McCoy - a corporate president who sees beyond the bottom line.September, 2013 - Nobody Knows More About Chili Than I Do - A salute to the chili wars - and a nod to Chilympiad - the World's Largest Chili CookoffOctober, 2013 - Jill Pankey - Living Out Loud: Former Texas State art teacher Jill Pankey is an amazing artist who has burst onto the regional scene with both feet. She is learning to speak up for herself and let people know who she is and what she does - and she is a pro!

And I cannot wait to see what the next chapter is going to bring to Rick and the Bobcat Fans/SMTX magazine. Thanks for putting me in the game, Koch.

Rachel's Plan Bee™I love projects like this. Rachel Najera, a home health care specialist and community organizer (along with supermom and wife) found a little spare time (?) and created some incredible bee cream and lotion bars that will change your life - (okay - well they will definitely change your hands and feet!) Hitting the market this fall, these soothing skin products are made in small batches as "a solid solution for dry skin." And the coolest part of this project? Rachel's Plan Bee™ encourages and supports women who, like Rachel, are seeking direction in starting a fun "Plan B" project that can turn into a profitable new vocation. Like her products, her helpful advice and gentle direction to aspiring women entrepreneurs offer a "solid solution." I have had so much fun developing the brand, website and labels for Rachel's Plan Bee™ - and getting to "test market" the lotion bars and bee cream along the way. Wait till you see The Bee, created by legendary Taos artist SAM•U•L. More to come soon!